This paper claims that the fictional novel Americanah by Adichie uncovers how White Fragility operates in everyday-life encounters with conversations about racism in America, thereby raising awareness for racism as functioning on an institutional level, rather than on an individual level.
The first chapter offers a theoretical overview and defines racism and gives DiAngelo’s considerations to White Fragility. The analysis examines White Fragility operating within the novel, through characters and Ifemelu’s lifestyle blog. Finally, the paper’s findings will be summarized and an outlook on further research will be given.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Theory Chapter
- 2.1. Definition of Racism
- 2.2 White Fragility
- 3. Analysis
- 3.1. Americanah Plot Summary
- 3.2. White Fragility in Conversations with Curt and Laura
- 3.3. White Fragility and Ifemelu's Blog
- 4. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper explores the presence of White Fragility in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's novel Americanah. The study aims to uncover how White Fragility manifests in everyday encounters within the novel, highlighting the institutionalized nature of racism in American society.
- Definition and analysis of White Fragility
- Examination of racial dynamics and conversations within the novel
- The impact of White Fragility on black characters and their experiences
- The role of institutionalized racism in perpetuating inequality
- The importance of understanding White Fragility for fostering racial justice
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter provides a theoretical framework by defining racism as a social construct that perpetuates inequality based on race. It delves into the concept of White Fragility, explaining how whites react defensively when confronted with racial tension and discomfort. The analysis chapter explores how White Fragility operates within the narrative of Americanah, focusing on conversations between characters and Ifemelu's blog.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on the concepts of White Fragility, institutionalized racism, and race relations in contemporary America. It explores the themes of racial inequality, privilege, and the experiences of black individuals navigating a racially charged society. The study draws upon the fictional narrative of Americanah to illustrate the complex interplay of race and power dynamics within American society.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2021, White Fragility in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Contemporary Novel "Americanah", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1474080
